No Wife, No Life Chapter 81

More laughably, even Luminary Innovations Inc., located overseas, responded to the article, repeatedly praising Emily's professionalism and astuteness.

Meanwhile, a rival company of the Lavien Group immediately extended an olive branch to Emily online, hoping she would join them.

They claimed to have already contacted Luminary Innovations Inc. to restart the project, with Emily as the main person in charge.

While Emily published another article, declaring she would never betray Alex and would stay with the Lavien Group.

The internet was abuzz with praise for her statement.

Compared to Harper's betrayal, Emily's loyalty and integrity were lauded.

As for Harper, she was labeled as a gold digger who used men to climb the social ladder, willing to sell her body for profit and even retaliate against Emily.

Harper, however, remained unfazed by these accusations.

Just then, Molly rushed in, clearly agitated.

"Harper, why aren't you defending yourself? Do you realize your reputation is being destroyed?"

Molly was furious.

She knew Harper well, since they had been friends since high school.

Harper was not the type to rely on men for her status.

She had principles and abilities, earning everything she had through her own efforts.

However, the vile and reprehensible comments online were nothing short of a devastating blow to Harper.

Molly asked, "What are you going to do? Are you just going to let this article continue to spread?"

Harper remained calm, her expression serene.

"Emily published that article to ruin me and to profit from restarting the project."

She paused, took a sip of tea, and continued, "I trust my judgment and Caden's judgment. This project has issues. In the end, Emily will only bring trouble upon herself and gain nothing."

Molly felt more at ease seeing Harper's composure.

She admired Harper for this quality. No matter how big the issue, Harper never lost her cool.

Molly let out a long sigh of relief, finally sitting down and pouring herself a cup of tea.

"Be honest, what's the deal with you and Caden? Are those photos and videos real?"

Even though she trusted Harper, the photos and videos were genuine.

She could confirm that one of the individuals up there was indeed Harper.

She also knew Caden's reputation in their circle. He was a notorious philanderer, unworthy of trust.

Even if Harper had broken up with Alex, she shouldn't be with someone like Caden.

Harper said, "What's there to explain? It's a business relationship. Besides, can't you tell from the angles of the photos?"

"But I'm still worried." Molly was genuinely concerned.

"Don't worry. I'm not interested in relationships right now, and I won't let emotions control me." Harper answered firmly.

She fancied herself to have become devoid of emotion.

From the moment she signed the divorce papers with Alex, she decided to lock away her heart.

She knew that once she fell in love, even she couldn't control her emotions.

That kind of turmoil would make her lose direction, judgment, and even herself.

It had taken her a long time to find herself again.

Caden was wonderful, but he and she could only engage in transactions. Anything more, she wasn't willing to try.

"Trust me, Molly. I know what I'm doing."

Molly's furrowed brows finally relaxed, though she was still a bit worried.

"Harper, you're in the spotlight right now. Is it really a good idea to go back to the office? Maybe you should take some time off and wait for this to blow over."

She envisioned how people would regard Harper with contempt.

"No, I would embrace it."

Harper's eyes were resolute as she spoke.

No matter what happened, she wouldn't leave like a coward.

That would only prove she was weak and wouldn't help the situation at all.

Molly had nothing more to say.

She knew Harper's temperament well.

Even in school, Harper seemed gentle but was stubborn at her core.

If someone hit her, she would find a way to hit back.

Expecting her to run away was impossible.

This was one of the many reasons people admired Harper.

Molly knew further persuasion was pointless, so she let Harper be.

After they parted, Harper returned to the office.

Sure enough, at the Lavien Group, she felt the curious stares from the employees. They were surprised but not mocking.

They respected Harper's abilities and judgment, believing the online rumors were false.

Some employees even came up to comfort her. She just smiled and didn't explain much.

She entered her office to handle some paperwork.

Just then, the door opened, and a sweet, musky cologne wafted in.

Harper looked up to see Caden.

He walked over and leaned casually on the chair opposite her.

"Seen the online comments?"

His flirtatious eyes fixed on Harper, a playful smile on his lips.

"They say we're a couple, a perfect match."

He grinned mischievously. "I sincerely wish they would bless us for a lifetime of togetherness."

"In your dreams." Harper raised an eyebrow, her tone light.

It was already good enough those internet users weren't saying worse things.

He actually wanted blessings? He was really something.

"Are you worried?" He looked at her intently, genuinely asking.

Any woman would be upset by such comments.

Being criticized, gossiped about, having her reputation tarnished—could Harper really handle it?

"It's just a minor inconvenience. What's there to worry about?"

Harper glanced at him lazily, her tone indifferent.

"I wish we really were a couple." He said softly.

"Could we be?" He looked up, his long eyes fixed on her, his gaze filled with deep affection.

"You know very well there's no future for us."

She met his passionate gaze, speaking firmly.

"So, just remember, our relationship is purely transactional and mutually beneficial."

Caden pondered these words, his eyes dimming.

The words were clear-cut, leaving no room for further thoughts.

Suddenly, he leaned in, taking her hand. "If it's just a transaction, why can't we have more?"

He seemed both serious and joking.

"I require a beautiful and accomplished wife, and you need a devoted lover at your disposal, don't you? You can marry Alex, so naturally, you can marry me. It seems I am the ideal choice."